As the Footprint Center fills with anticipation for the Phoenix Mercury’s home opener against the Atlanta Dream, there’s a palpable sense of history in the air. This isn’t just about a basketball game; it’s a celebration of the legends who have shaped the Phoenix Mercury’s legacy.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Saturday marks Ring of Honor night at the Footprint Center – honoring five Mercury greats by sending banners into the sky. Among those being honored are Jennifer Gillom, Cheryl Miller, Bridget Pettis, Penny Taylor, and Michele Timms. The players will have their last name and number on the banner. Cheryl Miller, the single staff member being admired, will have her last name and number of years (1997-200) with the franchise posted on the banner.
Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham reflects on the significance of this event. “When you think about the people who came before you, it gives you a sense of gratitude and appreciation,” she says. “Seeing who was the very first member of the Mercury, the very first person who made a shot for the Mercury, it fills you with pride.”
"It gives you some pride to wear that across your chest."
Our @AlecCipollini asked Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) about what comes to mind when remembering the Phoenix Mercury's Ring of Honor legends who will be celebrated tonight. #ValleyTogether #WNBA pic.twitter.com/Er5pI69FxG
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) May 18, 2024
Let’s take a closer look at the five honorees and their contributions to the Phoenix Mercury and the sport of basketball.
Michele Timms
From Australia to Phoenix to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to Michele Timms on her induction! pic.twitter.com/5D9tcsokXI
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) April 6, 2024
Timms is a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and FIBA Hall of Famer thanks to her immense contributions to the sport. Timms was the first player selected to the Phoenix Mercury in the initial player allocation back in 1997, and played five seasons in the WNBA, all in Phoenix. Timms was 32-years-old during the WNBA’s inception, and averaged 7.5 points and 4.7 assists in 116 total career games.
Timms retired from her playing career in 2001, and later became the Mercury’s assistant coach in 2005. Timms would only spend one year with the clipboard in Phoenix, before heading overseas to begin an extensive career as an assistant.
Jennifer Gillom
Jennifer Gillom took us to the WNBA Finals in 1998.
Tonight we celebrate everything she gave to the game. pic.twitter.com/p2Pgk8lS3v
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 7, 2022
Alongside Timms, Gillom was one of the first two players to be selected by the Phoenix Mercury in the 1997 allocation draft. Gillom played seven seasons, six of which came in Phoenix, while she retired in 2003 in Los Angeles. Gillom averaged 20.9 points and 7.3 rebounds to go along with 1.7 steals in the 1998 season, good enough for second in MVP voting and a All-WNBA first team selection. Gillom received the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award in 2002, and was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Bridget Pettis
Ahead of Saturday’s Ring of Honor ceremony, all of our ROH Members received a custom wooden box in celebration of their legendary careers with our franchise.
Bridget Pettis scored the first basket in Mercury history in the team’s inaugural game in 1997. Tomorrow, we celebrate… pic.twitter.com/MshwbiCfD7
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 17, 2024
Pettis was selected shortly after Timms and Gillom in 1997, and was the first Phoenix Mercury player to score in the franchise’s first game. The East Chicago native played eight seasons in the WNBA, leaving Phoenix in 2002 for the Indiana Fever. Pettis didn’t play in the association for three years following 2003, where she then returned to the Valley in 2006 for her final season as a pro.
Pettis continued her career as an assistant coach in Phoenix, and won two championship rings as a coach in 2007 and 2009.
Penny Taylor
© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Of the four players who will be honored, Taylor had the longest playing career at 13 years long. Taylor is the only player in Mercury history outside of Diana Taurasi to be part of all three of the franchise’s championship teams, and played 10 of her 13 seasons in Phoenix. In Phoenix Mercury history, Taylor ranks first in free-throw percentage, second in three-point percentage, second in assists, third in steals, third in three-pointers made, fourth in points and fifth in rebounds. A pretty stacked résumé, to say the least.
Cheryl Miller
© Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Miller is the sole coach that will be honored during the Ring of Honor ceremony. Being named the Mercury’s first head coach and general manager in 1997, Miller spent four seasons in Phoenix, totaling a 70-52 record in her time as head coach. The ‘X-Factor’ nickname was originated by Miller herself to symbolize the Mercury’s devoted fanbase.
Even before Miller was hired as head coach, she was named into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Miller is a 1984 USA Olympic gold medalist, a two-time NCAA champion (1983-1984), three-time Naismith Player of the Year (1984-1986), and a legend at her alma mater USC.
As we celebrate these five extraordinary women, we’re reminded of the rich history of the Phoenix Mercury and the bright future that lies ahead.
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Justin LaCertosa covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @LaCertosaSports
